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Patmos

Illustration of Patmos

Patmos is a small, rocky island in the Aegean Sea that functioned as a remote penal colony under Roman rule in the first century. According to Revelation 1:9, the apostle John was exiled there because of his testimony about Jesus, most likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. While on the island, John received a series of visions from the risen Christ that he recorded as the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. Its significance lies in preserving these apocalyptic messages about the church, judgment, and Godโ€™s ultimate victory, which continue to shape Christian eschatology and hope.

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Details

Region
Asia Minor
Modern Location
Patmos island, Dodecanese, Greece
Strongest connections in Scripture

Journey Paths

Key Passages

John's Vision

Revelation 1:9-20

Exiled to this rocky island, John receives the Bible's final revelation - God transforms political punishment into prophetic privilege, giving the church its vision of the future.

I9 John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lordโ€™s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Did You Know?

1

Patmos is a tiny island only 10 miles long and 6 miles wide.

2

John was exiled here during Emperor Domitian's persecution around AD 95.

3

The cave where John reportedly received the Revelation is still a pilgrimage site today.